**Box specification**

All new types of packing must be approved by The National Archives before they are used.

**Construction**

- Boxes must consist of both a case and a lid. Case and lid must be cut from one piece of board or formed from the same piece of board, e.g. clamshell box. The depth of the lid must be the same as the depth of the case of the box.
- The most important criteria of a box sent to The National Archives is strength. All boxes must withstand a standard industry edge-crush-test (ECT) at a minimum of 5 kN/m.

**Context of use**

- It is important to know what types of material will be stored in the boxes, if the records are large or heavy, or of high archival value. Different grades and types of box board might be required depending on the context of use.

**Grades of box board**

There are three grades of board suitable for use at The National Archives. Please consult the table below to determine the grade of board required for your transfer:

| Board Grade | Board Specification | When to use it | |-------------|---------------------|----------------| | Grade 1 Permanent | ✓ 100% chemical pulp\
✓ pH 7.5 – 10\
✓ kappa number should not exceed 5, or else less than 1% lignin content\
✓ alkaline reserve between 2%-10%\
✓ neutral internal sizing (EVA or AKD)\
✓ no optical brighteners\
✓ no plasticisers\
✓ no metal particles, waxes, residual bleach, or other components that could lead to degradation when in immediate contact with the board | Required for boxing materials of high archival or intrinsic value\
Also recommended, but not required, for boxing standard archival records | | Grade 2 Durable | ✓ 100% chemical pulp\
✓ May be laminated\
✓ pH 6.5 – 10 | For boxing standard archival records | Types of box board

- All grades of board are available as two types of board. Please consult the table below to determine the best type of board for your transfer:

| Type of board | Cross section of board | Benefits of use | When to use it | |---------------|-------------------------|-----------------|----------------| | Full board | | * most durable board type | For most transfers full board is preferred | | | | * brass wire stitching increases durability | | | Corrugated board | | * rigid in larger sizes | If boxes are to be stacked in storage | | | | * good for stacking | If records are larger and/or heavier than normal |

- Both full board and corrugated board are available to be delivered flat packed from your supplier. If quantities above 60 standard boxes are required it might be cheaper to order boxes flat packed and assemble them on site.
- If you require further assistance specifying boxes for your transfer, please speak to your Transfer Adviser.